I love that Tye Tribbett song, "Stand Out". It rings with truth.
In this Christian walk today, you often come across a lot of believers who do just that - believe... and nothing else. They've been fed the partial truth that because you BELIEVE and GO to church, your mansion is reserved in Heaven. But there is much more to it.
If you (Christians) didn't know, people are watching us. Many lost souls are looking for that light to guide them out of the darkness, but how can they see it when a lot of us are halfway in the dark ourselves? "We need to raise up a standard!"
A lot of people have the need to feel part of a group. They want to be cool...They want to fit in... They want to have "fun". This sometimes causes them to lose sight of what they should be doing, and give in to temptation. I like to remind myself that this short moment of "fun" isn't worth an eternity in hell. (Let's not get it twisted... I'm not saying I've never fallen short and given in to temptation. I am most grateful for God allowing me chance after chance to get it right.)
"But remember that the temptations that come into your life are no different from what others experience. And God is faithful. He will keep the temptation from becoming so strong that you can't stand up against it. When you are tempted, he will show you a way out so that you will not give in to it." -1Corinthians10:13 (The Book)
I kind of feel like I'm all over the place with this blog, but it was triggered by a message I received earlier from a classmate inviting everyone out Saturday night for reunion, and then church on Sunday morning. They made the statement that they may be speaking, but of course not about anything that may have happened on Saturday. Sure, a year ago, I would have just laughed this off as a lot probably will, but this just shook something up in my spirit, and made me realize even more, that the Christian standard has been lowered tremendously. If someone goes out on a Saturday night and does some things that are not pleasing in God's sight, they should feel a heavy conviction speaking in church the next day. (I know I would, because it's happened to me...I didn't speak, but I was in church the next day. And I must say, that was the last time I drank alcohol...Thank you , Jesus!) And sure, you may not mention what may have happened the night before, but who are you trying to please? People or God? God sees all... so not mentioning it isn't going to erase the fact that it happened. There is too much of this going on.
This is not to put anyone down, or make anyone feel bad. I love everyone dearly, but it must be said. The truth must be told. And I am saying this to not only help others, but myself as well.
So again...Let's raise up a standard. Let's set ourselves apart so that our light may shine brightly for all to see, and so that all that are lost and want to be found, can see their way out of the darkness.